Game of Thrones ended earlier this year after a controversial finale. However, despite the backlash the show picked up a record-breaking number of Emmy awards. The finale of course was not the only part of the series to receive a huge amount of stick. Now, Theon Greyjoy star Alfie Allen has spoken out about the monumental impact playing a nationally ridiculed character had on him at the time.
Theon Greyjoy was arguably one of the most tortured characters in the series, but little love was lost after he was captured by Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon) and taken as a slave back in season two.
The character suffered horrific abuse after his capture at the hands of his new master.
However, his betrayal of the Starks and failure to help Sansa (Sophie Turner) in her abusive marriage to Ramsay, meant fans found it difficult to sympathise with Theon.
The character internalised his pain after being brutally tortured and emasculated by his new owner, given the name “Reek” which proved a difficult role to play for the star.
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Fans hated the character, and at times, so did Alfie.
In an interview with Haute Living, the star revealed the character’s mocking was so bad that he even wished he’d have been cast in a different part.
He initially auditioned for the roles of Viserys Targaryen (Harry Lloyd), Rob Stark (Richard Madden), Jon Snow (Kit Harington) before being cast as Theon.
The actor explained: “I don’t regret getting the part of Theon. There were times during the show that I would have said different without a doubt, but, then again, I don’t want to do Theon a disservice.”
The star went on to reveal he wished he had opened up about his struggles playing Theon a little more, after the star reached a point where he had to take a break from reading anything about the show or himself online.
He added: “It was really, really hard, I’d walk into rooms and it would feel like I was standing there naked. It’s different now, I suppose. Because [Theon died with] honor and redemption, people have come off the hate wagon and are now liking the character for how he went out.
However, much to the actor’s relief, the character finally redeemed himself in the end of season eight when he died a noble death which contributed to the star’s recent Emmy nomination.
He added: “The relationship I had with that character was hard at times, but it’s lovely that I get to end this journey on a positive note.”
